Fred Blake (died 1920)

BLAKE, BLESSING, LOWDER MORGAN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/16/2009 at 23:35:23

Jackson Sentinel, April 20, 1920.

Duo of Suicides Startles Entire Community.

…The second tragedy occurred Saturday afternoon probably about three o’clock when Fred Blake, whose home is on Vermont Street in this city ended his life by hanging. Mrs. Blake and her eight year old son were spending the afternoon with her sister, Mrs. J. C. Blessing and it was during their absence from home that the deed was done. Mr. Blake had been in poor health for some time and at times had a tendency to become despondent, and a few months ago with his family had left the farm and purchased a cozy home in the city. The change however failed to be but little beneficial and it was while in one of those despondent moods that the tragedy occurred. The deed was committed in a woodshed adjoining the kitchen of his home and upon the return of the wife and little son about five o’clock the latter stepped into the shed and found the lifeless body of his father by a rope from an overhead rafter, death having probably occurred two hours previous. Coroner William Lowder was called but no inquest was considered necessary. The funeral was held this Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock from the late home, Rev. J. C. Morgan, pastor of the Congregational Church officiating. Interment was made in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Obituary-

Fred N. Blake was born near Maquoketa June 28, 1887, and spent his entire life in this community. He attended our public schools and was a graduate of our high schools, and until a few months ago followed the vocation of a farmer. On August 8, 1910 he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Riegel to which union one son, Howard, was born, and who with the bereaved wife is left to mourn the loss of a kind father and husband. For the past several months Mr. Blake has been in failing health, the end coming Saturday afternoon, April 17th at about three o'clock p.m. On account of poor health Mr. Blake decided to leave the farm a short time ago and purchased a home on Vermont street in this city. Besides his bereaved wife and eight year old son he leaves his father, George Blake and one brother, George, Jr., both of this city. The funeral was held this afternoon from the late home, Rev. J. G. Morgan officiating. Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery.